The output of new cars from the UK’s automotive plants hit an eight-year high in May, with more than 140,000 units produced.

A total of 141,146 cars were manufactured in May, which is the highest monthly output since 2004. It is a substantial 42.2 per cent increase over the number of cars produced in May 2011, although last year’s figures were depressed due to supply issues caused by the Japanese tsunami.

Of the 141,146 cars, 120,120 are destined for export markets and 21,026 for domestic sale.

Paul Everitt, boss of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “Car manufacturing in May hit the highest level of output since 2004, a sizeable recovery against volumes hampered by last year’s Japanese tsunami.

“This boost, coupled with robust year-to-date results, demonstrates the strength of UK automotive manufacturing and shows why it continues to attract high levels of international investment.”

Commercial vehicle output posted a 7.4 per cent decline in May in line with restrained levels of demand.

But the UK’s engine building output passed one million units for the year in May, and is more than 40,000 units ahead of last year.

Earlier this week Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, applauded the UK automotive industry for weathering the economic downturn and becoming one of the most productive auto industries in Europe.

McLaren is still a long way off from being a car manufacturing success.

It is also unfortunate that you are still stuck in the ancient principle of British owned enterprise as it is highly evident that it was foreign ownership and management that saved the likes of Mini, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Land Rover etc.... or do you still think the British Leyland days were far better?!!

Also sorry to burst your bubble regarding McLaren's 'British' ownership but I would hardly call the likes of Bahrain's Mumtalakat wealth fund or Saudi Arabian Mansour Ojjeh (TAG group) who own major chunks of McLaren 'British'!!